The following access change document templates are Microsoft Word documents that provide materials to be included in access change documents and in the order in which the materials are to be presented. The templates provide example text, tables, figures and instructional text to guide the author in preparing access change documents. The following templates are to be used when preparing any of the following access change documents.
Letter of Request
Iowa DOT Letter of Request Template
The Letter of Request provides information on the intent of the requested access change, including a definition of the problem and concepts being considered. The Letter of Request is used by the project Advisory Group to understand the proposed access change, identify potential issues and give direction on the level of analysis and documentation required to satisfy the access change request. It is also used to inform the FHWA of work on the Interstate System. The Letter of Request is created for all requests led by a Local Public Agency (Interstate and non-Interstate) and Iowa DOT-led requests on the Interstate System.
Methods and Assumptions Document
Iowa DOT Methods and Assumptions Template
The Methods and Assumptions (M&A) document outlines the area of influence, data, analysis procedures, and design criteria to be used on the project. The M&A document is used by the Local Public Agency and project Advisory Group to confirm this information. An M&A document is created for Interchange Justification Reports (IJRs) and Interchange Operations Reports (IORs) at the discretion of the Iowa DOT District Engineer and other Advisory Group members. The M&A document is most critical for projects in urban areas or with complex features.
Interchange Justification Report (IJR)
Iowa DOT Interchange Justification Report Template
An IJR is used to document the operational and safety evaluations, and conclusions of a request for new access or major modifications to an existing access on the Interstate System. The IJR addresses the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Policy on Access to the Interstate System through documenting and addressing Policy requirements. The Interchange Justification Report Template is to be used when preparing an IJR.
IJR Amendment
Iowa DOT Interchange Justification Report Amendment Template
An IJR Amendment is used for situations when an IJR is approved, time passes, and the project is not constructed. These situations may necessitate an update to the previously approved IJR, depending on the amount of time that has passed since the previous approval of the IJR and conditions that may have changed. The IJR Amendment documents materials which have changed since the approval of the previous IJR.
Interchange Operations Report (IOR)
Iowa DOT Interchange Operations Report Template
An IOR is used to summarize the operational/safety evaluations and conclusions of a request for minor modifications to an existing access on the Interstate System, or new access or major modifications to an existing access on a State highway. An IOR provides a summary of the operational and safety analysis without providing the level of detail and background that is included in an IJR. This template provides materials to be supplied in all IJRs and in the order in which the materials are to be presented. The template provides example text, tables, figures and instructional text to guide the author in preparing an IJR.